Wikipedia:VideoWiki/Diarrhea

Definition
Diarrhea is the condition of having at least three loose, liquid or watery bowel movements each day. It sometimes lasts for a few days and can cause dehydration due to the loss of fluid.

Symptoms
Other symptoms include decreased urination, fast heart rate and loose and frequent bowel movements.

Causes
The most common cause is an infection of the intestines, known as gastroenteritis, which is caused by either viruses, bacteria, or parasites.

Risk factors
These infections are often acquired from food or water that has been contaminated by feces, or directly from another person who is infected.

Treatments
Oral rehydration solution (ORS) and zinc tablets are used to treat diarrhea. Maintaining healthy eating habits and drinking clean water is recommended.

Prevention
Diarrhea can be prevented by eating uncontaminated food, clean drinking water, washing hands with soap, and improved sanitation.